Natuashish

This article is about the town. For the ethnic group, see Mushuau Innu First Nation.
Natuashish 2
Indian reserve
Natuashish Indian Reserve No. 2
Natuashish 2

Location in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Coordinates: 55°55′00″N 61°07′30″W / 55.91667°N 61.12500°W / 55.91667; -61.12500Coordinates: 55°55′00″N 61°07′30″W / 55.91667°N 61.12500°W / 55.91667; -61.12500
Country  Canada
Province  Newfoundland and Labrador
Settled 2002 [1]
Government
  Chief Gregory Rich[2]
  Federal MP Yvonne Jones (L)
  Provincial MHA Randy Edmunds (L)
Population (2011)
  Total 931[3]
Time zone AST (UTC-4)
Area code(s) 709

Natuashish is an Innu community in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The community is inhabited by the Mushuau Innu First Nation.

Natuashish (Little Sango Pond)[4] was established in 2002 as a planned community in the hopes of resolving the social problems that had plagued the prior community of Davis Inlet, 15 km away.[5] The population of Natuashish at the 2011 Census was 931, up from 706 in 2006.

Initial reports suggested that the Canadian government's plan of renewal and healing had been a failure, as the community was still plagued with alcohol and drug abuse. The government was accused of creating a system overburdened with bureaucracy, and not adequately addressing the issue. The local tribal band was accused of corruption, as was shown in a 2005 CBC report in which it was shown that the leadership was trafficking drugs and other illicit substances to maintain power.[6]

The community's attempt to resolve its problem with alcoholism led to a ban on the sale, purchase, and possession of alcohol within the community. The bylaw was originally passed in 2008 by a margin of two votes.[7] The prohibition bylaw was upheld in a subsequent referendum held in the community in March 2010.[8] The community continues to struggle with drug abuse and youth boredom.[9]

The community is served by the Natuashish Airport.

References


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